The nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has just learned she is pregnant. In order to decrease the risk of perinatal loss with this client, the nurse wants to assess the client for specific risk factors

Question

Which assessment questions are most appropriate to determine the client's risk for perinatal loss?
A) "What are your dietary habits?"
B) "When was your last menstrual period?"
C) "Is this your first pregnancy?"
D) "Do you use any substances such as drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products?"

Answer 1

Answer: D

Although all pregnant women will be questioned about substance abuse, the nurse will be especially interested in asking an adolescent client about it. Adolescents have a higher rate of substance abuse, and the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can have a negative impact on the outcome of the fetus. All pregnant women will be asked about last menstrual period, diet, and reproductive history. Last menstrual period is of less importance with the young adolescent, whose periods tend to be irregular and cannot be counted on to indicate due date.